The Group Training Association of Victoria fully supports both the Federal Government launch of the first Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) in Australia. The schools will be located in Geelong and Ballarat in Victoria.

Group Training Association of Victoria Executive Director, Mr Gary Workman said, “With youth unemployment still a challenge in many parts of the State, it is wonderful to see the Government introducing an education model that brings industry and community together to engage the next generation of Australian workers and addresses the disconnect we see as many young people fail to navigate from school to the world of work.”

Many people around the nation will watch the introduction of the P-TECH education model in Victoria, as the realisation hits home that the shape and nature of our workforce is changing. “We need to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy” said Mr Workman.

P-TECH will assist young Australians in making the transition from high school to employment. It will go a long way towards equipping them with the real-world skills that employers need, including working in teams and creating a learning environment that engages students.

“It would be wonderful if traineeships and apprenticeships could be incorporated into the post secondary component of the Australian P-TECH model. This would support the development of both on and off-the-job training and allow students to earn while they continue to learn,” said Mr Workman.

The Group Training Association of Victoria is looking forward to exploring how modern 21st century apprenticeships and traineeships could be incorporated into the model to ensure students leave with a solid secondary education, combined with practical real world skills employers need to remain competitive.

Mr Workman said he was pleased to see Skilling Australia Foundation, with its major partner WPC Group involved in this innovation.

About the Group Training Association of Victoria

The Group Training Association of Victoria (GTAV) is the peak industry body representing not-for-profit group training companies across Victoria. GTAV, through its members, employ over 7,000 apprentices and trainees across all industry sectors, which is supported by a network of 5,000+ host employers including small-to-medium sized businesses.